<!-- Source: https://docs.vinsi.ai/api-docs/call-outbound -->
# Start Outbound Call

Have an AI phone agent call a phone number now. phoneNumber (required): +1XXXXXXXXXX, or a 2-6 digit PBX extension for agents on a client PBX trunk. agentId (required): an active agent in your organization with outbound configured. variables (optional): key/value data passed to the agent for this call. voicemailMessage (optional): message the agent leaves if voicemail answers. The caller ID is the agent's default outbound number (Telephony → Set as default), otherwise its first assigned number. Each call uses minutes from your balance.

```http
POST https://dashboard.vinsi.ai/api/calls/outbound
```

## Authentication

Send your API key in the `x-api-key` header. Create keys in the VINSI dashboard under Settings → API Keys.

## Headers

| Name | Type | Required |
|---|---|---|
| Content-Type | string | yes (application/json) |
| x-api-key | string | yes |

## Example request body

```json
{
  "phoneNumber": "+18055551234",
  "agentId": "cm9t3bqos0000l404og1m9a9z",
  "variables": {
    "customerName": "Jordan",
    "appointmentTime": "Tuesday at 2 PM"
  },
  "voicemailMessage": "Hi Jordan, this is Acme calling to confirm your appointment. Please call us back."
}
```

## Example request

```bash
curl -X POST 'https://dashboard.vinsi.ai/api/calls/outbound' \
  -H 'x-api-key: YOUR_API_KEY' \
  -H 'Content-Type: application/json' \
  -d '{"phoneNumber":"+18055551234","agentId":"cm9t3bqos0000l404og1m9a9z","variables":{"customerName":"Jordan","appointmentTime":"Tuesday at 2 PM"},"voicemailMessage":"Hi Jordan, this is Acme calling to confirm your appointment. Please call us back."}'
```

## Example response

```json
{
  "status": 200,
  "roomName": "outbound-18055551234-a1b2c3",
  "dispatchId": "AD_7Xk2mP9qLr4s",
  "cluster": "vinsi-do"
}
```